Metabolic Syndrome and Exercise
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of risk factors that accelerate the onset of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It is characterized by poor glycaemic control, central obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The current definition of Metabolic syndrome refer to:
- Central Obesity, waist circumference (ethnicity specific) and any 2 of the following:
- Raised triglycerides > 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or specific treatment for this abnormality
- Reduced HDL-Cholesterol < 40 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for males and < 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L) for females or specific treatment for this abnormality
- Hypertension where blood pressure is > 130/.85 mmHg or medication
- Fastic plasma glucose >100mg/dL (5.6mmol/L) or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence
¼ of the world’s adult population have Metabolic Syndrome. Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are 3 times more likely to heave a heart attack. Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome also have 5 times more risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The signs of Metabolic Syndrome (also referred to as Syndrome X in some of the literature), are central obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerdies, low HDL-cholesterol (the good kind) and insulin resistance.
Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Treatment
To aid in the prevention and treatment of Metabolic Syndrome, individuals should:
- -Aim for a healthy diet (see a dietitian for individualized advise)
- Usual recommendations on fruit and vegetables
- Avoid too much processed food
- Lowering salt intake
- GET ACTIVE
- Schedule regular checkups to determine blood pressure, lipids and glucose readings
- Early detection is ideal!
Fitness and risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Essentially, the fitter you are the lower the liklihood of developing metabolic syndrome! This is true for both aerobic fitness and also resistance training. At the very lowest end of the spectrum, with the lowest strength and aerobic fitness, you are almost certain to develop some type of metabolic syndrome. Conversely, at the other end of the spectrum, in someone very fit, this liklihood drops well below 20%, and in these people, genetics plays more of a role.
Why see an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist has a Master’s Degree in treating chronic conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and all the contributing factors that contribute, with exercise. They have studied the latest research and exercise guidelines to be able to treat every client’s individual’s needs. There are specific types of exercises, certain guidelines that will have greater impact on your health and this why it’s important to engage a specialist, such as an Exercise Physiologist, who understand the ins and outs of how the body responds to exercise.
Being active, you’ll start to see improvements in your lipoprotein profile, insulin sensitivity, glucose (sugar) metabolism. It is important to consult and discuss expectations with an Exercise Physiology as when you beginning your health journey; you may find that you are getting health benefits without necessarily seeing any significant weight loss. These health benefits are only seen through your blood pressure readings, blood sugar readings etc. These are all things that an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can do during each exercise session. If you continue with exercise and change dietary lifestyle then they might get significant weight loss and further metabolic improvements.
If you have any signs of metabolic syndrome - please give us a call on 95801985 and have a chat to our Exercise Physiologist Yas today!